Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Hybrid vehicles help reduce council carbon tyreprint!

Argyll and Bute Council is further improving its green credentials and reducing its carbon footprint by investing in four hybrid vehicles.

The vehicles, three 17 seater minibuses and a transit van, are replacing older diesel vehicles and were bought as part of the effort to tackle climate change. This is an important first step in reducing transport emissions and it is predicted that fuel savings and carbon release will be reduced by between 15 – 25 percent.

The council invested in hybrid technology because it is an ideal solution for the geography of Argyll and Bute. This is because hybrid vehicles don’t have the same range restrictions as all-electric vehicles.

The minibuses are based in Dunoon, and as well as taking children in the area to and from school during the week will be available for community group use at weekends.

Council Leader Dick Walsh said, “I am delighted that the council, as part of the Community Planning Partnership is taking a leading role in reducing road transport carbon emissions. This is a great opportunity for the council to introduce and evaluate low carbon vehicles in a wide range of working environments. The feedback from the drivers will help us respond to the Scottish Government on their use and suitability.”